Searching for Fireteam: Advice For Finding Others to Game With
By Cole Markey
Fill the lobby
It Takes Two To Tango
One of the greatest challenges in the tabletop hobby is finding people who are both available to play and willing to learn. I have seen members of the Halo: Flashpoint community describe this as a major barrier to getting into the game. If you are facing the same problem, this article offers several ways to find players or build a local community, from introducing friends and family to exploring online groups, events, and digital play.
Family and Friends
The most direct route may be to invite friends or family to try the game. That is how I started: I introduced a close friend and my wife, followed shortly afterward by a sibling and a parent. I know this option is not available to everyone, and some people simply will not be interested. If someone in your circle is open to trying Halo: Flashpoint, however, the following approaches can make that first session more welcoming and enjoyable:
1. Learn the rules before playing:
If you are hosting any sort of tabletop or board-gaming event, it is always in your best interest to understand the game you are playing first. This is especially important for a game like Halo: Flashpoint! Nothing kills the vibe faster than having to address the rulebook for every single step of the game. In fact, for your first play sessions, I would recommend no addressing the rulebook or any FAQ’s at all unless you are specifically asked to by the other player. Just play for fun, and if you don’t know the immediate answer to a niche gameplay scenario, make an adjudication and continue. This will allow you to keep your guest entertained, and interested in a future play session.
2. Utilize the demo!
The demo included with the game is incredibly helpful when it comes to onboarding new players, and I must applaud Mantic for its inclusion! Halo: Flashpoint can be intimidating to new players if you decide to jump into the full game. Starting with limited units, basic keywords, and no pickups is the best place to introduce players to the game. Once you have completed a demo session, I would recommend explaining the other systems such as weapon spawns, items, and respawns briefly. See what your guest is comfortable learning next! I know that after the demo, we simply moved on to playing an elimination version of slayer utilizing the big map, still avoiding respawns and weapon/item pickups. This allowed my guest to become familiar with the units and scale of the game before introducing too much at once.
3. Show them the hobby side of the game:
Halo: Flashpoint, as well as most miniature wargames, have two parts: Gaming, and painting! Some people may not be initially interested in the gaming aspect, but if they’re more artsy, perhaps they would be interested in painting the models… Me and wife have actually made it a date night to paint our minifigs, and it got her much more interested in the game afterwards. She wanted to see her models in use afterwards, it got her engaged where other games of a similar caliber would have lost her.
Sometimes people just want to paint their little guys!
4. CHILL. We’re all having fun here:
When teaching the game to friends and family, I HIGHLY discourage competitive or “meta” play. This is just general etiquette for gaming in general, no one wants to be curb stomped while being introduced to a new pass time. Play it casual, don’t feel a need to win, and most importantly, try to ensure both parties are having fun. Ultimately, the two of you should be their to enjoy one another’s company, the game is just an excuse to do just that.
Look Online
Another option is to search online for a group. Afterall, that’s how I came across The Black Harriers initially myself! You have options here, so lets take a look:
1. Reddit:
Reddit can help you find nearby players and groups. Start by searching for “Halo: Flashpoint in [your city]” to see whether anyone has already posted about local games. If that produces no results, create a post in r/HaloFlashpoint asking whether players in your area would like to meet. You can also check subreddits devoted to your city or to nearby local game stores, where other players may already be organizing events.
2. Discord:
Discord hosts several Halo: Flashpoint servers, including the large Halo Flashpointers community (invite: https://discord.gg/NbQFmDpKJk). In addition to general discussion, these servers can help you find events and players looking for games. Introduce yourself, mention your general area, and ask whether anyone knows of an active local group. Regional communities may also operate their own servers. I am a member of Twin Cities Halo Flashpoint (invite: https://discord.gg/uXJshZbDWW) and The Black Harriers (invite: https://discord.gg/NuQbyfZ5Gb), which serve the Twin Cities and Albuquerque areas, respectively.
Shoutout to TC_Flashpoint in the Twin Cities metro. Excellent folks I’ve met since moving here!
3. The Halo Flashpoint App:
The official Halo: Flashpoint application (It’s a website, don’t look for it in the app store!) has a section that displays all official events being run by Mantic Pathfinders. You can search by country and see if there are any near you. They also have a section for “battlegrounds”, which are stores know to support the game and host many events. The Battlegrounds list is limited at the moment as it’s relatively new, but you can still give it a look, because who knows, maybe you live near one!
The Black Harriers meeting up at Ettin Games in Albuquerque, NM
Tabletop Simulator
If you can’t get a game going in person, or are interested in playing digitally, I may just have a solution for you! While there is no official video game for Halo: Flashpoint, there is a version of the game on Tabletop Simulator. I personally have not used it, but I am aware that it has a relatively active community and is still receiving updates and has the 1.5 ruleset implemented. This can also be a great way to try the game if you aren’t sure about dropping cash for the Spartan or Recon Edition quite yet. Grab a bud, or find someone in one of the communities from the previous section, and give it a go!
The Steam Workshop page for Halo: Flashpoint on Tabletop Simulator
Conclusion
Finding a regular Halo: Flashpoint group may take a little initiative, but there are several good places to begin. Invite someone you already know, connect with nearby players through Reddit, Discord, the official events and Battlegrounds listings, or try a digital match through Tabletop Simulator. Whichever route you choose, keep the first game welcoming, teach at a comfortable pace, and focus on having fun. A single beginner-friendly session can be the first step toward building the fireteam—and the community—you have been looking for.
